Text and photos by Loris MarinIntroduction
Fear, astonishment and strong sentiments are sensations which attract modern man - and what better than a journey to experience these emotions?

Nepal is the ideal country for the curious, for those in search not only of truly magnificent mountains, but also different cultures. Nepal has a contrasting mix of ethnic and religious cultures that live in incredible harmony, giving rise to peace unimaginable in other corners of the Asian continent.

A Sadù at Durbar Square

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Machapuchare seen from Bamboo

Hindus and Buddhists pray side by side, displaying an unreal tranquillity that leads to the belief that life is simple. Here, of all places, it is not.
The first-time visitor to Nepal remains overwhelmed by these sensations and in particular by the mysticism which enshrouds all. The Divinities are to be found in everything, above all in mountains such as Annapurna, Gangapurna and Machapuchare.

The trekking itinerary passes beneath these mountains and is not particularly difficult, you should however be fit as parts of the trek are above 3500m. Snow may make progress difficult in Spring - if travelling at this time of year, pay particular attention to the snow conditions near Annapurna Base Camp.Annapurna Sanctuary

Annapurna was the first 8000m peak to be climbed. On 14 June 1950 two French alpinists, M. Herzog and L. Lachenal, successfully reached the summit of this Himalayan giant. The expedition encountered great difficulties and was underlined by courage and determination difficult to imagine in this day and age.

The trek to Annapurna gives only a slight insight into what it must have meant to scale this peak, unclimbed and unknown to the western world.

Things have changed dramatically and the area around Annapurna has become one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in the world.